Bill Burton Pier State Park Links

Volunteer With Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park

Main_Content

Volunteer Opportunities

Message from Park Manager, Lt. John Ohler

Volunteers are a key resource for the parks of the Upper Eastern Shore. Camp Hosts, Trail workers and program volunteers help us provide the quality experiences we offer to the visiting public. Many of our volunteers return year after year because they enjoy the friendly atmosphere and beautiful surroundings.

Trail Maintenance/Stewardship

Like to get your hands dirty? Want to look back at the end of the day with a feeling of accomplishment? Volunteer to join one of our Trail Maintenance and Repair crews. Clear Trails after storms (or the winter off-season), collect trash and debris, build water bars, repair trails damaged by storms or usage, and otherwise help to keep the land surrounding the Choptank Piers in tip-top shape. A strong back, and the ability to work outside in all weather on potentially rugged terrain, is a must. Familiarity with hand and/or power tools, and/or some experience with trail work, are a bonus but not required. Wear weather-appropriate clothing that can get dirty/muddy and sturdy work or hiking boots; bring water bottle, work gloves, lunch, as well as sunscreen, bug repellent and rain protection as needed. This is an occasional opportunity and days and times will vary – see the park’s calendar of events for specifics or call the park office if you would prefer to organize a workday for your group or individually.

Volunteer Rangers

Become a Volunteer Ranger and help protect Maryland's natural resources! The Volunteer Ranger Program is for people ages 18 and above who want to assist the Department's regular work force in state parks with operations, programs and public service. Volunteers are trained and provided with uniforms for their jobs once they have completed 40 hours of volunteer service at a state park. Orientation training helps rangers become acclimated to the state park service. Additional training opportunities, that may include CPR, first aid, search and rescue, and trail stewardship, are offered on a regional basis. As ambassadors of the state parks, Volunteer Rangers serve a vital role to the public. Thousands of visitors to Maryland's state parks look to Volunteer Rangers for guidance and help.

Visitor Surveys

Please help us assess visitor satisfaction with State Parks and the valued economic impact of State Park visitors in Maryland. A survey has been developed to collect data using recognized statistical methods. We need one volunteer to distribute surveys in the park on the dates indicated:

August 13, 10:00 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. (rain date August 27)

September 7, 10:00 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. (rain date September 21)

October 4, 10:00 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. (rain date October 18).

The project goal is to collect completed surveys from visitors enjoying the State Park. As a volunteer, your task will be to request park visitors to take the survey when they return home by either collecting their email address or distributing the survey so that an Internet link to the survey can be sent to them. All volunteers will receive project instructions, talking points to guide your conversations with visitors, record-keeping forms and printed surveys. This is a very important project and the results of this survey will help us make important decisions for years to come.

Pier Cleanup

Help our visitors Leave No Trace by walking the pier to collect used fishing line and debris. Share with fellow anglers how they can help in the effort to keep the waterways clean and their fishery viable.

If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Ranger Jessica Conley at jessica.conley@maryland.govor (410) 820-1668.